Chapter Title: The Details That Matter

Chris's POV

"Christiana," I called, just as she reached the threshold of the chamber doors.

She stopped immediately, turned, and faced me. "Yes, Father?"

"You didn't tell me," I said, my voice sharp now. "The power structure. The authority limits. I asked for details, not just the surface. Come back."

She stepped back into the room, shoulders squared, but I could tell she knew she'd missed something. I gestured to the chair across from me, and she took it without a word. I lowered myself back into mine and folded my hands.

"Start with the appointed. One by one. Their name, their role, their assigned responsibilities, and the exact power you gave or plan to give them."

She activated her tablet again and began.

"Imani Rasheed — Appointed as Chief Education Strategist. Granted administrative control over all academic councils across the BU. Proposed clearance: Level-3. Budgetary authority capped at 500 million BC annually. No military access."

I nodded slowly. "Tight. Acceptable."

"General Kael Monroe — Appointed Supreme Overseer of the Western Military Zone. Full command over three military divisions. Clearance Level-5. Authorized to mobilize troops only with your approval. No power over nuclear or bio-defense divisions."

"Continue."

"Aduke Nwankwo — Minister of Technological Advancement. Oversight of innovation zones and state research labs. Clearance Level-3, capped at 200 million BC funding. Cannot approve or sign defense tech contracts. All data reviewed by Henry."

"Good," I murmured. "Keep her under Henry's radar. She's smart, but reckless."

"Ezekiel Dumas — Minister of Infrastructure. Clearance Level-2. Authority to begin nationwide transit project revamp. No private deals. Every contract must pass through Economic Audit before release."

I narrowed my eyes. "Watch that one. He likes backdoors. Make it public that he's under direct observation. Anyone bribing him will be caught in the net."

She adjusted the note on her screen.

"Now," I said. "What's the total net power distributed among these appointments?"

Christiana paused. "Altogether, they command just under 27% of the government's administrative control. 4% military power, with zero control over elite or classified divisions. 100% of final decisions still pass through either you or me, depending on the department."

"Exactly what I needed to hear."

She looked relieved.

"Next time," I said, voice lower, colder, "don't walk out of here thinking titles and budgets are enough. Power is what builds or collapses an empire. I ask for power breakdown, you give it like your life depends on it—because it does."

"Yes, Father," she said quickly.

I stood, taking the holo-documents into my private data vault. "Now you may go. Announce them once I finalize the sign-off. Until then, no word leaves this room."

Christiana bowed and exited in silence.

I turned toward the giant window overlooking the city lights of the Blackwood capital.

Every piece on the board was moving.

And I, the one true ruler, was the only hand that mattered.